Joao Mario refuses return to Inter Milan

Joao Mario has some pretty strong words about possibly returning to Inter Milan.

He said he has no intention of returning to Italy, Serie A or Inter Milan in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I will not go back” to Inter, the truth is that I don’t like Serie A. I don’t want to try again,” Mario said. I don’t have the necessary motivation, it’s an experience that’s over, no doubt. I’m not angry, I’m taking stock of the year and a half I spent in Milan. The idea is clear: I will not go back.

“I’m just honest, there’s no fire inside me to rekindle with the Nerazzurri. When I arrived, I was fired-up for a project which seemed to be taking off, too bad it didn’t go that way.

“Who is to blame? Everyone and no one. Inter and the environment there, probably all of Italian football, is not for me.

“It would be pointless to go back to Appiano Gentile [after the World Cup], even if I have a contract until 2021.

“I hope we can find a solution as soon as possible, maybe even before the end of the World Cup.

“In football, as in life, one must be honest in understanding when things end. And with Inter it’s over.”

Fine by us.

Since coming to Inter, the Portuguese international has failed to impress – scoring just three goals in 47 appearances. He came from Portugal with such fanfare but really didn’t live up to any of the hype.

Honestly, even if Inter fails to sign Joao Cancelo from Valencia, there is really no spot on the roster for him. His lack of desire on the playing field leaves little room for him.

I don’t know if it was the culture or the formations, but you really can’t lay blame here on Luciano Spalletti because Mario didn’t work out for any coach he played for in Italy.

At West Ham United, his numbers weren’t that impressive. He scored just twice in 13 appearances but was helpful in keeping the Hammers above the relegation zone at the end of the season.

The question becomes where does he go from here?

“I’m evaluating things and the Premier League would be ideal, it’s a spectacular environment; a physical and technical competition at the same time,” Mario said. “That’s the first idea, then La Liga. West Ham could be an idea, but now it’s too early to make a judgement.”

Mario could stay in the Premier League, but recent reports in England suggest Inter could offer him up to Tottenham Hotspur in a deal for midfielder Moussa Dembele which would keep him in the Premier League, but likely lessen his playing time as Tottenham is already pretty strong in midfield.

What do you think? Post your comments below!